ES2947615T3 - Display system with flexible screen - Google Patents

Abstract

A display system includes a continuous flexible display and two main display supports, articulated with each other and each structurally configured to support a respective portion of the flexible display. The two main display mounts are rotatable in opposite directions connected to each other by a respective hinge of a hinge mechanism. The main display supports can rotate between a configuration to secure the flexible display in a closed storage position and a flat configuration to secure the flexible display in an open position. The two main display supports are coupled together by a motion synchronization coupling which allows, during movement between the closed and open position, a substantially synchronized mutual rotation of the main display supports at substantially equal but opposite angles. (Automatic translation with Google Translate, without legal value)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Display system with flexible screen

Technical field

The present invention relates generally to flexible screens. The present invention relates specifically to flexible displays provided with display supports.

Description of the related technique

A number of product concepts have been developed for flexible/rollable displays with a pair of display holders connected together by a hinge mechanism. Examples of these concepts are “book” and “wrap”, a concept of “wrap” is shown in WO 2008/054206 A2.

The “book” concept is the simplest implementation of a roll-up display comprising two supports connected by hinges with a continuous display. In the center, near the hinge mechanism, there is a hollow space to accommodate the curved segment of the screen in the situation where the “book” is in the closed position. The screen size is at most twice the size of the closed display system. In practice, its size will be approximately 1.8 times larger due to the bezel of the necessary support halves around the screen.

The concept of “envelope” comprises a screen with two supports connected by hinges, wrapped in the closed position with its front face facing inward. In the known concept, the screen makes a complete revolution around the body of the device when wrapped. Therefore, the screen size is about twice the size of the device. For larger screens compared to the body of the device, more turns are needed, which adds mechanical complexity.

In these concepts, each hinge mechanism comprises two hinges located at a distance from each other. In practice, a double hinge mechanism is preferred to a single hinge mechanism for these concepts. A double hinge mechanism has the advantage of a smaller width of the display system (measured in the closed position), while in the open position the hinge axes are located below the flexible display. Each of the pairs of hinges is configured for a 90° rotation of one of the display supports, while the display supports can rotate between a configuration to secure the flexible display in a closed storage position and a flat configuration to Fix the flexible screen in an open position. If during movement to the open position the user rotates one of the display supports relative to the hinge mechanism at a substantially greater angle than the other display support, this difference in rotations can lead to problems with the flexible display/ roll-up in the hinge mechanism area. In this area locally the internal stress in the screen layers may become too high and/or the screen may curve into a curvature with too small a radius. This excessive tension and/or creating too small a radius curvature can damage the screen and reduce its lifespan.

Document KR20120049762A refers to a foldable type portable terminal having a foldable type display unit that prevents damage to a bending part by gently bending a central part of the display unit into a circle.

Summary

It is an object of the invention to prevent excessive local stress on the flexible screen as well as curvature at too small a radius during movement of the screen between the closed and open position. It is also about improving the life of the screen.

The scope of protection conferred is determined by the claims. According to one aspect, the invention provides a display system comprising a continuous flexible display, and at least two frame parts, each of which houses a main display support, said supports being articulated with each other and each structurally is configured to support a respective portion of the flexible screen. The two main display supports are rotatable in opposite directions, connected to each other by a hinge mechanism comprising two hinges located at a distance from each other, each of which is configured for rotation of one of the respective main display supports, The main display mounts are rotatable between a configuration to secure the flexible display in a closed storage position and a flat configuration to secure the flexible display in an open position. Furthermore, the two main display supports are coupled to each other by means of a motion synchronization coupling, said coupling during movement between the closed and open position allows a substantially synchronized mutual rotation of the main display supports at substantially equal but equal angles. opposite direction. The motion synchronization coupling comprises an elongated spring that extends between the ends of both hinges and provides spring forces on both main display supports to maintain the display system in the open or closed position, respectively.

Due to this synchronized rotation of the main screen supports at substantially equal angles, excessive local stress on the screen and/or too small a radius curvature on the screen will be avoided, thereby improving the life of the screen. screen. Another advantage of the display system according to the invention is the convenient synchronized movement of both display supports, which gives the user the sensation of opening with rotation around a single hinge. Another advantage is the stable positioning of the main display supports in the open and closed position, which makes an additional locking action for the user in these positions of the display system superfluous.

According to another aspect, the invention provides a display system in which the motion synchronization coupling comprises spring means that provide spring forces on both main display supports to move the display system to the open or closed position respectively. . Preferably, the spring means form part of an over-centering mechanism which, due to the force of the spring upon movement to the open or closed position, stably positions the display system in either position.

According to another aspect of the invention, the motion synchronizing coupling comprises at least one pair of wheels arranged near the hinge mechanism, each of which is connected to a display support, said wheels being mutually coupled to rotate in directions opposite.

In a preferred embodiment, the motion synchronization coupling is coupled with at least one additional display support, configured to substantially support a segment of the flexible display located between said respective portions of the flexible display in the open position, said support being additional display movable by coupling with the movement synchronization coupling with respect to the display segment between a non-operational position and a support position when the two main display supports are moved between the storage position and the open position of the display flexible, so that in the open position substantially the entire surface of the screen is supported by the respective screen supports.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the “book” in an open position, according to embodiments of the invention;

Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the “book” embodiment of Fig. 1 in an open position; Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the “book” embodiment of Fig. 1 in a closed position;

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the “book” in a closed position, according to embodiments of the invention;

Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of part of the “book” embodiment of Fig. 4 in an open position;

Fig. 6 shows a side view of a part of the “book” embodiment of Fig. 4 in an open position; Fig. 7 shows a side view of a part of the “book” embodiment of Fig. 4 in a closed position; Fig. 8 shows a perspective view and a schematic side view of another embodiment of the “book” in an open position (Fig. 8a/b), a partially open position (Fig. 8c/d) and a storage position. (Fig. 8e/f), respectively, according to embodiments of the invention;

Fig. 9 shows a schematic view of a part of another embodiment of the “book” or “wrap” in a side view (Fig. 9a) and a top view (Fig. 9b), respectively, in accordance with embodiments of the invention ; The Figs. 10 and 11 show a schematic side view of part of two other embodiments of the "book" or "wrapper" in a closed position, according to embodiments of the invention;

Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the “book” in a closed position (Fig. 12a), in an open position (Fig. 12b), as well as a view of the parts of the coupling synchronization movement in this embodiment (Figs. 12c to 12g) according to embodiments of the invention;

Description of the achievements

Reference is made to United States Provisional Application Serial No. 61/506,177, filed on July 11, 2011.

The embodiment shown in Fig. 1 is a "book" display system 1 with two book halves, comprising a flexible screen 2, extending continuously over both halves and a support frame, comprising in each one of the book halves a main display support 3, 4 respectively, which are connected to both sides of the system 1 by hinges 5, 6, respectively, of a hinge mechanism 7 and each is structurally configured to support a respective portion of the flexible display 2. As shown in Fig. 2 and 3, the two main display supports 3, 4 are mutually articulated around their hinges 5, 6 between a flat configuration (Fig. 2) to fix the flexible display 2 in an open position and a configuration to fix the flexible screen in a closed storage position (Fig. 3).

Between the respective hinge 5, 6 and the respective display holder 3, 4, the first additional display holders 8, 9 are configured rotatably about the axes 8a, 9a and connected to the display holder 3, 4. Between In the pair of first additional display supports 8, 9 a second pair of additional display supports 10, 11 are arranged attached to a central additional display support 12 and rotatable around the axis 5, 6 respectively. Together, the additional screen supports 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 in the open position close the gap created by the hinge mechanism 7 between the main supports 3, 4. Thus, in the open position practically all the surface of a central display segment 2a located between the display supports 3, 4. These additional display supports 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 are arranged movably on the support frame of the display system 1 with respect to to the central screen segment 2a between a non-operational position and a support position when the two main screen supports 3, 4 are moved between the storage position and the open position of the flexible screen.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the two main display supports 3, 4 are coupled to each other by a movement synchronization coupling, which allows during movement between the closed and open position a substantially synchronized mutual rotation of the main screen supports 3, 4 at substantially equal but oppositely directed angles.

This movement synchronization coupling comprises, on both sides of the support frame, a pair of cams 13, 14, rotatably mounted on the support frame about the axes 13a, 14a, which extend substantially parallel to the axes 5 , 6. The cams are coupled to the first pair of additional display supports 8, 9 and to a pair of levers 15, 16, coupled to the central additional display support 12. During the movement of the main display supports 3, 4 from the position shown in Fig. 3 towards the open position of Figs. 1 and 2, the central display support is raised and at the same time the two attached additional supports 10, 11 rotate downwards around the axis 5, 6 respectively. The additional display supports 8, 9 are rotated upwards around their axes 8a, 9a respectively and pushed upwards and placed stably in the open position of Fig. 2 by means of the notches 13b, 14b of the cams 13, 14. All moving parts move to the same level to support display segment 2a.

During the movement to the closed position of Fig. 3, the supports 3, 4 are closed, the central support 12 moves downwards, the two additional supports 10, 11 are rotated upwards and the other supports 8, 9 are rotated down. All moving parts move away from the bottom center area to increase the storage space of the foldable display (see Figure 3). The movement synchronizing coupling of the cams 13, 14, the supports 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and the levers 15, 16 effectively allow a substantially synchronized mutual rotation of the main display supports 3, 4 at substantially angles equal but opposite and a synchronized movement of the additional display supports 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 between their support position and their non-operational position.

Due to this synchronized rotation of the main screen supports at substantially equal angles, excessive local stress on the screen and/or too small a radius of curvature on the screen will be avoided, thereby improving the service life of the screen. . Another advantage of the display system according to the invention is the comfortably synchronized movement of both display supports, which gives the user the sensation of opening with rotation around a single hinge. Another advantage is the stable positioning of the main display supports in the open and closed position, which makes additional locking actions for the user in these positions of the display system superfluous.

In the storage position of the flexible display 2 shown in Fig. 3, between the main display supports 3, 4 and the additional display supports 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 there is sufficient free space to allow partial curvature of the screen segment 2a without conflicting with the respective main screen supports.

In the open position between the screen supports 3, 4, the screen segment 2a rests on the additional supports when touched. This means that damage to the screen is avoided when touch functionality is added to the screen. Another advantage is that the screen collapse is avoided. The screen will be perceived as more rigid, which provides a better quality perception of the display system.

The embodiment shown in Figs. 4 to 7 is also a “book” display system 1 with a number of parts substantially identical to the number of parts of the first embodiment. It consists of a continuous flexible display 2 housed in two housing halves and a support frame, comprising two main display supports 3, 4, each located in a housing half and connected to both sides of the system 1 by means of hinges 5, 6, of a hinge mechanism 7 and each structurally configured to support a respective portion of the flexible display. As shown in Figs. 5, 6, 7 the two main display supports 3, 4 comprise arms 3a, 4a connected with hinges 5, 6 respectively. The supports are mutually articulated around their hinges 5, 6 between a flat configuration (Figs. 5, 6) for fixing the flexible display 2 in an open position and a configuration for fixing the flexible display in a closed storage position (Figs. 4 and 7). A difference from the first embodiment is the application at the location of both hinge mechanisms 7 of a torsion spring 17 with legs 17a, 17b connected with their free ends to the arms 3a, 4a. Each of the torsion springs 17 passes with its legs 17a, 17b during the movement of the halves of the housing between the open and closed position through a plane that includes the axes of the hinges 5, 6 and moves from one side to the other of this plane. In this way, torsion springs act as part of an overcentering mechanism. The torsion springs 17 also provide spring force through the arms 3a, 4a in the main display supports 3, 4, to force these supports to the flat configuration and through the main display supports in the central display segment 2a of the flexible screen to pre-stretch the central screen segment 2a in the open position. The spring forces of the two torsion springs 17 between the two halves of the book keep the book stable in the open and closed positions.

In this embodiment, the motion synchronization coupling comprises a pair of gear mechanisms 18 with toothed segments 19, 20 on both display supports 3, 4 that are coupled to each other, which allows a synchronized rotation of the main display supports at substantially equal but oppositely directed angles and a synchronized movement of the additional display supports 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 when the two halves of the book are opened or closed. Due to the coupling between the legs 17a, 17b and the additional supports 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12, the springs 17 also keep these supports stable in their position supporting the display segment 2a in the open position of the book halves.

Also in this embodiment of the invention, sufficient space is available for the construction of the double hinges 5, 6, two torsion springs 17 and the gear mechanisms 18 and to allow a partial curvature of the display segment 2a in the closed position without conflicting with the respective main display supports. Preferably, in this closed position the additional support plate 12 facilitates by its stable positioning a predefined curvature of the display segment 2a with an advantage for the service life of the display.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 8, in a “book” display system 1, the central display segment 2a is supported by additional display supports comprising a central support plate 33 and two display support plates 34 , 35 connected in an articulated way. The central support plate 33 is used as a double guided hinge part for the two display supports 3, 4 which are coupled by means of gears 36, 37. The gears are rotatable about the respective hinge axis and are connected with the support respective screen holders and act as a motion synchronization coupling between both halves of the book and allow a synchronized rotation of the main display supports 3, 4 at substantially equal but oppositely directed angles and a synchronized movement of the additional display supports 33, 34 and 35. The support plates 34, 35 each have a pin 34a, 35a which is guided in a slot 3b, 4b respectively, in each of the display supports 3, 4 of the device body. These slots 3b, 4b guide the movement of the plates 34, 35 so that in the open position of Figs. 8a and 8b the display segment 2a is fully supported and in the closed position of Figs. 8e and 8f the curved display segment 2a is not obstructed. The Figs. 8c and 8d show an intermediate situation. Preferably, in the closed position, the plates 33, 34 and 35 facilitate by their positioning a predefined curvature of the display segment 2a with an advantage for the service life of the screen.

The embodiment shown schematically in Figs. 9a and 9b show relevant parts of a "book" display system 1 with a hinge mechanism 39 and main display supports 40, 41. These main supports are hingedly joined by means of hinges 5, 6 like the display supports. the previous realizations. The hinges 5, 6 are the axle for the pulleys or wheels 42, 43 connected to the support 40, 41 respectively. The pulleys guide a spring or belt 44. As shown in Fig. 9b, the belt is guided crosswise so that the combination of pulleys 42, 43 and belt 44 engage the supports 40, 41 for rotation in opposite directions. and acts as a motion synchronization coupling between both halves of the book and the additional support plates (not shown). Opening the left bracket 40 in Fig. 9a in the direction of arrow a results in the movement of the belt 44 near the pulley 42 in the direction b, the belt near the pulley 43 in the direction c and therefore both in an opening of the right support 41 in direction d with the same degree of opening of both supports 40, 41.

The embodiments shown schematically in Figs. 10 and 11 show alternative solutions for the synchronized coupling of the book halves in opposite directions in the embodiment of Fig. 9. An alternative solution with a connecting rod 44 between the wheels 42, 43 is shown in Fig. 10. In the Fig. 11 shows another alternative solution with a connecting tape 45, guided between the guide walls 46a, 46b.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 12, the display system 1 comprises two book halves 50, 51, connected by a hinge mechanism 52 with two hinges 53, 54 at both ends. The book halves 50, 51 are provided in the hinge area with teeth or extensions 55, 56 with free ends located substantially midway between the book halves. An elongated spring 57 extends between the end portions of the hinge mechanism 52. As shown in detail in Figs. 12e, 12f the spring 57 is guided through holes near the free ends of the teeth 55, 56. As shown in Fig. 12g by way of example, the spring 57 may be configured as a helical spring 57a or a spring wire 57b. Opening the book halves 50, 51 in Fig. 12a to the open position of Fig. 12b results in a synchronized movement of both book halves 50, 51 in the direction of arrow e, f respectively shown in detail in Fig. 12c and a movement of the spring in the direction of arrow g. Half way the spring moves through a plane 58 comprising the axes of the hinges 53, 54 and expands under its spring force in the direction of arrow g (comparable to the operation of an overcentering mechanism). The spring 57 forces through the teeth 55, 56 the book halves 50, 51 to carry out the same rotation and, therefore, the same degree of opening. The same synchronization is obtained during the movement from the open position of Fig. 12d to the closed position of Fig. 12c in the direction of arrow h of Fig. 12d. In this way, the teeth 55, 56 and the spring 57 act as a synchronizing coupling of the movement between both halves of the book, which move in the direction of the arrows i and j respectively. In a manner not shown also in this embodiment the additional display supports of the preceding embodiments can be applied, with a synchronized movement due to their connection with the movement that synchronizes the coupling.

Detailed drawings, specific examples and particular formulations offered are for illustrative purposes only. In addition, other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.

Claims (7)

1. A display system (1) comprising: a continuous flexible screen (2); and at least two frame parts each housing a main display support (40, 41, 50, 51), said supports (40, 41, 50, 51) are articulated with each other and each is structurally configured to support a portion respective of the flexible screen (2); wherein the two main display supports (40, 41, 50, 51) are rotatable in opposite directions and are connected to each other by means of a hinge mechanism (52) comprising two hinges (53, 54) located at one distance from each other, each of the hinges (53, 54) is configured for the rotation of one of the main screen supports (40, 41, 50, 51), being able to rotate between a configuration to fix the flexible screen (2) in a closed storage position and a flat configuration to fix the flexible display (2) in a closed storage position, 41, 50, 51), the main display supports (40, 41, 50, 51) are rotatable between a configuration for fixing the flexible display (2) in a closed storage position and a flat configuration for fixing the flexible display (2) in an open position, in which the two main display supports (40, 41, 50, 51) are coupled to each other by means of a motion synchronization coupling, said coupling during movement between the closed and open position allows a substantially synchronized mutual rotation of the main display supports (40, 41, 50, 51) at substantially equal angles but oppositely directed; characterized in that the movement synchronizing coupling comprises an elongated spring (57) that extends between the ends of both hinges (53, 54) and provides spring forces in both main display supports (40, 41, 50, 51) to maintain the display system (1) in the open or closed position respectively. 2. The display system (1) of claim 1, wherein the elongated spring (57) forms part of an overcentering mechanism, arranged so that due to the force of the spring upon movement to the open or closed position , the overcentering mechanism stably positions the display system (1) in either of the two positions. 3. The display system (1) of claim 1, wherein the elongated spring (57) extends through holes in the extensions (55, 56) of the display supports (50, 51). 4. The display system (1) of one of the preceding claims, wherein the motion synchronization coupling comprises a crank mechanism disposed between the hinge mechanism (52) and each main display support (40, 41, 50, 51). 5. The display system (1) of one of the preceding claims, wherein the motion synchronization coupling is arranged near both ends of the hinge mechanism (52). 6. The display system (1) of one of the preceding claims, wherein the motion synchronization coupling comprises at least one pair of wheels (42, 43) arranged near the hinge mechanism (7, 52), each one of them is connected to a screen support (40, 41), said wheels (42, 43) are mutually coupled to rotate in opposite directions. 7. The display system (1) of claim 6, wherein the axis of each of the wheels (42, 43) coincides with a respective hinge axis; I in which each of both wheels (42, 43) is provided with a pulley (42, 43) that engages a belt (44) that couples the wheels (42, 43) for their rotation; I in which the wheels (42, 43) are rotatable and are coupled by means of a connecting rod (44) or a belt (45).